iPhone Approaches 10% of U.S. Installed Mobile Phone Base

[macguy360]

And which bit of that "story" was funny? True it may be but you lost me with the funny!

I was with Sprint once, won't be going back!

It was funny how I cancelled my contract and was able to sign up for a new contract within a month of cancelling and avoid paying full price for the phone. Also it was funny hearing the lady's response on the phone wondering why in the world I would cancel and then re-sign up within a few weeks lol.

What's your problem with sprint? If it pertains to several years ago, the company has changed quite a bit from what they used to be. I know when they were in the early years of cell phone service they used to have ridiculous fees and prices but things have changed quite a bit.

 

[firewood]

Well they can kiss that percentage goodbye after yesterdays crappy announcement ...

The thing announced yesterday that will affect the percentage the most is not the new 4S. It's the lower prices on the 4 and the 3GS.

The 3GS was already a top selling model last quarter, better selling than all or nearly all of the current Android models. The zero up-front subsidized price on the 3GS price will boost iPhone market share in the U.S, even if the 4 and 4S together barely hold the percentage they had last month.

 

[Globetrotter]

The average person is not aware to rumors and rumblings like those of us on MR.

this * 10

average joes will be as confused as hell when they walk into an Apple store now thinking "I heard about a new iphone being released" and then being shown the 4S

 

[malcolmffc]

BTW, for anyone currently considering which network to go with here's a bit of advice.
Sprint has the lowest disconnect fee of all the 3 iPhone sellers. Their disconnect fee is just $150 versus the up to $300+ you will pay if you try to cut your contract short from verizon or att. At least that is what the contract cancellation fee is right now. Maybe in a couple months Sprint will be rethinking that fee because they could lose money on people joining and then cancelling their service and keeping the phone.

Funny but true story. I had been with sprint for about 9 months and decided to go ahead and cancel in september ahead of the iphone release. It cost me $150. I call up Sprint today and ask if I can get an iPhone 4s this friday on preorder with the discount for signing up for a 2 year agreement. The lady on the phone says "but you just cancelled your sprint plan last month, i'll have to talk to my supervisor". She comes back on the phone a few minutes later and says "Yep, you can get the iPhone 4s at discounted rate because you paid your service cancellation fee.

So instead of me paying full price for an iPhone 4s at somewhere around $599 or higher I was able to get set up with a new iPhone 4s at $349.

Except your $349 iPhone is locked to Sprint, whereas the full price one is unlocked. Even if that didn't matter, if you'd waited 3 months, you'd have saved $150 and could have chosen any carrier you liked.

 

[shawnce]

average joes will be as confused as hell when they walk into an Apple store now thinking "I heard about a new iphone being released" and then being shown the 4S

Just like how the 3GS completely confused folks that walked in and failed in the market right?

 

[inkswamp]

Well, I can tell you that the Google install base will be going up thanks to me.

It's been fun with with my iPhone 3G and iPhone 4, but I think it's time for me to move on to something new. Android here I come. Doesn't anyone feel this way?

I own an Android-based phone and an iPhone 3G, and there's no comparison on any level--software quality and availability, ease-of-use, design, OS, customer support, updates, hardware quality, etc. I'll never buy another Android phone.

But best of luck with that. Hopefully you'll have a different experience than I had.

 

[wovel]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_3_3 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8J2 Safari/6533.18.5)

The decline of RIM seems like a second story to the ascendance of Google. Google jumped 5.6%... Apple only .7%.

Google does not make phones. The only company making money off Android is MS.

Wait till MS nect move, licensing Win Mo 7 for less than companies are paying them to use Android. Can you say "uh oh".

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I own an Android-based phone and an iPhone 3G, and there's no comparison on any level--software quality and availability, ease-of-use, design, OS, customer support, updates, hardware quality, etc. I'll never buy another Android phone.

But best of luck with that. Hopefully you'll have a different experience than I had.

True, I have used an SII for a couple weeks when traveling. If Apple stopped making iPhones, I have no idea what I would replace my iPhone with, but it would not be an Android phone.

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this * 10

average joes will be as confused as hell when they walk into an Apple store now thinking "I heard about a new iphone being released" and then being shown the 4S

They actually won't be confused at all. Average person is quite a bit more reasonable than the average tech forum user...

 

[mdelvecchio]

Yeah - it's very obvious that potential iPhone customers are dissatisfied with the lack of a larger screen, and will continue to flock to Android and other competitors. I expect the downward trend of the iPhone's marketshare to continue, especially in light of the iPhone 4S. </snark>

uh, you do realize the iPhone4 and the 3GS are the BEST SELLING SMARTPHONES in the US, right? no other handset maker is having nearly as much success peddling their handsets. some downward trend.

now, if you compare the sheer number of android-variants sold by random handset makers, yeah it adds up. but google isnt selling phones. it provides a baseline OS to handset makers to build on top of... and so far, nobody is doing that as well as apple is building on its own OS.

zing.

 

[yadmonkey]

average joes will be as confused as hell when they walk into an Apple store now thinking "I heard about a new iphone being released" and then being shown the 4S

The average consumer is smart enough to understand that sometimes the changes are under the hood. By your logic, the 3Gs would have confused the average consumer. It didn't.

 

[macguy360]

Except your $349 iPhone is locked to Sprint, whereas the full price one is unlocked. Even if that didn't matter, if you'd waited 3 months, you'd have saved $150 and could have chosen any carrier you liked.

Since when does cancelling a 2 year contract with sprint, let alone any cell phone company give you the ability to not have to pay a fee?

I clearly stated that I cancelled my contract 8 months into my plan. I am as of right now free and clear from any cell phone company. This friday i could choose to sign up with ATT, Verizon or Sprint. My point is that Sprint is the lowest when it comes to early contract cancellation fees. It is a flat $150 for the first year and I believe it goes down $10 each month for the second year.

Anyone currently in a 2 year contract with ATT or Verizon who is not eligible for a free upgrade would have to pay full price for the iPhone 4s when it comes out.

I can even take my old sprint phone and sell it mitigating most of that $150.

I swear to god some of the people on this forum are on here just to frustrate people. Who the hell here is even thinking about getting an unlocked iPhone 4s just to use on some crappy network like tracphone? Probably less than 1% of people buying phones... that's who. The other 99.9% of people interested in getting an iPhone 4s will be signing up for a 2 year contract.

 

[mdelvecchio]

I know for a fact that they won't know what to do when an update happens.

So many people have never updated the OS on an iPhone in owning them for a year or two.

I didn't start keeping up on new phones until I got my iPhone and then it was only to keep up on the new one each year.

...unfortunately for you, the data doesnt back up your observation -- most iOS users *do* update their software to the latest. perhaps because it's so easy in iTunes to do so. cant find the link, but it's based on iOS app developer logs -- their data shows most users have the latest version.

update: here is the proof:

http://m.ecommerce-journal.com/news...date-while-android-users-go-obsolete-too-long

http://www.cocoanetics.com/2011/08/ios-versions-in-the-wild/

...downvote me if you like, but the numbers, they dont lie.

 

[MacFan1957]

It was funny how I cancelled my contract and was able to sign up for a new contract within a month of cancelling and avoid paying full price for the phone. Also it was funny hearing the lady's response on the phone wondering why in the world I would cancel and then re-sign up within a few weeks lol.

What's your problem with sprint? If it pertains to several years ago, the company has changed quite a bit from what they used to be. I know when they were in the early years of cell phone service they used to have ridiculous fees and prices but things have changed quite a bit.

I'm sorry mate but you sound like Sprint PR to me! I can't say AT&T is perfect (if only) but they are still way better than Sprint!

 

[sugarbear]

Between the free 3GS, the $99 iPhone 4, and greater availability, Apple's legitimately making a market share play... and is gonna snap up much of the lower-end market where Andriod was winning.

The high-end folks (most of us on MR) might be disappointed with the 4S, but the lower end of the market is rubbing their hands with glee.

Wait until you see the market share pie charts for next year. The strategy will become evident.

 

[firewood]

Yeah - it's very obvious that potential iPhone customers are dissatisfied with the lack of a larger screen, and will continue to flock to Android and other competitors.

Not enough of them to keep the ancient 3GS from outselling nearly all of those large screen products. Let the dissatisfied ones leave, the new low price on the 3GS will bring in more than enough new customers to replace all of them.

And the 4S will also rake in profits from the Apple fans who would never leave the ecosystem, many of whom don't already have an i4. So it's a big enough upgrade.

 

[milo]

BTW, for anyone currently considering which network to go with here's a bit of advice.
Sprint has the lowest disconnect fee of all the 3 iPhone sellers...

Has sprint announced rate plans? That's what I'd need to know. And does sprint support simultaneous voice and data?

 

[macguy360]

I'm sorry mate but you sound like Sprint PR to me! I can't say AT&T is perfect (if only) but they are still way better than Sprint!

Nope, I do not work for sprint nor do I make any money from them. I was simply telling my story of how I am able to get an iPhone 4s when it comes out. I am actually still considering going with ATT actually as my fiance is already on a contract with them and we could just go together for a family plan. The only thing holding me back is that I am afraid I'll go over the 4gb data cap and be paying a lot of fees.

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Has sprint announced rate plans? That's what I'd need to know. And does sprint support simultaneous voice and data?

Hopefully sprint is keeping the same plan. Who knows though. They might be sneaky and have a new iphone plan that costs more.
As to your second question, they are CDMA like Verizon so no they cannot do voice and data at the same time. So on the off chance your having phone sex with your gf and needing to look at a bit of porn your out of luck. =(

 

[k995]

Apple smartphone market share seems stagnated , dont think the 4s is going to change that.

 

[shawnce]

Yeah - it's very obvious that potential iPhone customers are dissatisfied with the lack of a larger screen, and will continue to flock to Android and other competitors. I expect the downward trend of the iPhone's marketshare to continue, especially in light of the iPhone 4S. </snark>

Obvious?

1) The number of folks unhappy with their existing iPhone is comically small compared to those unhappy with their existing phone from another vendor. Not saying the hardware or OS is perfect or even better (it is good of course)... just that customers perceive it as such.

2) Apple's *sales* (Apple numbers are predominantly units sold to end customers) volume for the iPhone has seen very health growth year over year and is either keeping pace or out pacing the overall market growth in many regions around the world.

3) I see little evidence of surveys that imply a large group of potential or existing customers want a larger screen to the point of switching away from the iPhone (in sufficient quantities to be a major concern).

4) Apple now has iPhone models spread across a wider price point that will allow them to more easily appear on the radar for folks that walk into a cellular store that are primarily considering price.

5) Apple has added the 3rd major cellular carrier in the US. ...likely more to come around the world (/me looks at China)

6) iOS 5 is adding many compelling features (helps compete against Android, etc.) for both users and developers and it will be available for most of the existing iPhone customers (not all features), increases customer satisfaction with their current purchase.

7) The eco-system around the iPhone and iOS is growing in capabilities (iCloud, Siri, etc.) and the need for a desktop to go along with your iPhone is going away.

etc.

...so I would say it is more obvious that Apple is doing well with the iPhone (hey they dominate the market in terms of revenue and profit) and that the recent product announcements should continue that trend while opening up the iPhone to a larger customer segment then before.

I personally expect excellent sales numbers for the iPhone 4s around the world and even, to up, market share growth (unit volume) in many regions thanks to the 4s, 4, and 3GS and their respective price points.

I also believe that a poorly implemented iPhone 5 (LTE, larger screen, etc.) that was rushed to market just to try to match some other vendors phones would hurt Apple far more then the solid upgrade that you are getting in the 4s (...iOS 5 quality at release will be interesting to track).

 

[unlinked]

No! I use several different Android phones from different manufacturers at work. The battery life is abysmal with all of them. I love the feature in Android that when an app crashes that causes the OS to freeze up I am forced to remove the battery to get it to restart. I guess there is more than one reason to have a removal battery.

Sorry but given my first hand experience with Android phones I have no desire to buy one. And yes I have used the Samsung Galaxy S II.

Guess my phone is defective. When an app crashes for me the force close dialog comes up , I click that and move on.

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Can someone explain to me how Android hardware OEMs lose net market share (Samsung, LG, and Motorola combine to lose .7%), but Android market share increases by 5%?

Did I misunderstand something here? What hardware is Android making gains on?

I am always surprised when HTC don't make it on the list. Presumably it is because all their phones are smartphones whereas a lot of Samsungs are feature phones.

 

[milo]

So instead of me paying full price for an iPhone 4s at somewhere around $599 or higher I was able to get set up with a new iPhone 4s at $349.

With a two year contract, the 4s is $199/299/399. Not sure where you got that $599 number, it would only be that much if you bought the phone without a contract. So I assume you're getting the 64 gig and it looks like you're getting a $50 discount which you got by paying $150 to terminate your old contract. You probably would have got the 4s cheaper by not terminating your contract and just paying full price and starting a new two year contract (which Sprint would probably be happy to do).

Also, at this point Sprint hasn't announced anything so it's possible they could raise both the data rates and cancellation fee before they add iPhone.

Anyone currently in a 2 year contract with ATT or Verizon who is not eligible for a free upgrade would have to pay full price for the iPhone 4s when it comes out.

That hasn't been the case in the past. I know people who were in the middle of a contract who were able to upgrade at a discount (not a huge one, but a discount). Worst case they had the option to buy the new phone at full price and start a new two year contract without having to pay to terminate the old one. Either situation is cheaper than what you did.

Edit: Apple has a page on their online store that lets existing users check for upgrade/discount eligibility.

 

[Seiga]

Well, I can tell you that the Google install base will be going up thanks to me.

It's been fun with with my iPhone 3G and iPhone 4, but I think it's time for me to move on to something new. Android here I come. Doesn't anyone feel this way?

I felt that way about 2 weeks ago. Got the Bionic and been extremely happy with my decision after apple made their announcement. If you get Android though, get the Nexus Prime. I'm sure they won't disappoint you with their specs when announced on the 10th.

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You won't know how much Android sucks until you try it for yourself.

While there are many people that feel that way, I know just as many that are ready to come back to the iPhone 4S after owning an Android device.

Android isn't designed for beginners where iOS is easymode.

 

[SwiftLives]

Perhaps I was too subtle with my satire?

It's not just number of people (pundits, posters, etc.) complaining that they didn't get a larger screen with the iPhone...it's that they're calling it a flaw. And citing it as a reason the iPhone 4S is a flop.

 

[Seiga]

No! I use several different Android phones from different manufacturers at work. The battery life is abysmal with all of them. I love the feature in Android that when an app crashes that causes the OS to freeze up I am forced to remove the battery to get it to restart. I guess there is more than one reason to have a removal battery.

Sorry but given my first hand experience with Android phones I have no desire to buy one. And yes I have used the Samsung Galaxy S II.

90% on the Droid Bionic and I have had it unplugged since 7:45 this morning and have been using it all day. It's 1:40pm here now.

 

[firewood]

Naysayers are simply ignoring the 3GS

Can any of the naysayers explain why they think the the zero subsidized price on the 3GS will reduce it's market share? The 3GS was still one of the very top selling smart-phones last quarter at $99, outselling most, if not all, of the big-screen Android devices. Why would anyone think that reducing the price of the 3GS by a C-note would decrease its sales?

If anything, those consumers who were about to buy a 3GS might decide to save an extra few bucks and get the lower priced i4 or maybe even an 4S instead, thus maintaining market share and increasing Apple's revenues even more.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

My point is that Sprint is the lowest when it comes to early contract cancellation fees. It is a flat $150 for the first year and I believe it goes down $10 each month for the second year.

You are quoting out of date policies. Currently, Sprint's ETF for a smartphone is $20 per month remaining on the contract, max $350 and min $100:

http://support.sprint.com/support/a...171256#__highlight&id16=early+termination+fee